The Abu Dhabi Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT) has sanctioned nearly 75 million square meters of gross floor area for development in 2025, representing a remarkable 137 percent increase compared with the previous year.
The scale of this expansion is equivalent to building out the entire developed capacity of Yas Island seven times over, underscoring Abu Dhabi’s rapid emergence as a global investment hub and dynamic capital city.
Housing initiatives accounted for the largest share of approvals, with nearly 190,000 residential units planned across both new and existing neighborhoods.
This includes more than 158,000 market units and approximately 30,000 homes dedicated to UAE Nationals, supported by comprehensive community amenities such as schools, healthcare facilities, community majlis, and retail destinations.
Abdulla Mohamed Al Blooshi Acting Director General Urban Planning & Permits Center DMT
“This milestone reflects Abu Dhabi’s growing momentum as a world destination for investment and development. Through forward-looking approaches and streamlined regulatory processes, we are enabling diverse mixed-use districts that strengthen economic diversification, attract international talent, and enhance quality of life across the emirate.”
Industrial and technology sectors have emerged as key drivers of development, with approvals covering industrial zones, data centers, and advanced manufacturing facilities. These projects are expected to bolster the emirate’s digital economy, logistics sector, and technology-driven industries.
In the hospitality and tourism sector, plans for nearly 5,000 new hotel keys were approved across multiple destinations, complemented by new waterfront attractions, beaches, and cultural experiences, reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s position as a premier global tourism destination.
To facilitate this unprecedented growth, DMT has reduced the approval cycle for master developers by 60 days, accelerating project delivery while maintaining rigorous compliance standards.
Mansour Saleh Al Harbi, Acting Executive Director for Activation and Development Control Sector at DMT, noted that, “The reduction in evaluation timelines demonstrates our commitment to enabling rapid and high-quality construction across Abu Dhabi. By balancing efficiency with strong regulatory oversight, we are ensuring that the emirate’s urban landscape evolves to meet market demand while maintaining the highest standards.”
The surge in approvals has been further supported by BINAA, the region’s first AI-driven permits platform. Since its launch in June 2025, BINAA has reduced the average time to issue a residential villa permit by 57 percent and decreased resubmissions by 53 percent, thanks to automated technical reviews.
In total, DMT issued over 11,000 building permits in 2025, a 15 percent increase compared with the previous year. To support industry adaptation, the department also conducted upskilling workshops for more than 7,000 consultants and contractors, equipping them to meet evolving regulatory and market requirements.
